18 people face complaints over MMFF piracy

January 10 ------ At least 18 individuals face complaints for allegedly "offering" entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2020 illegally. The Optical Media Board (OMB) filed before the Department of Justice on Tuesday, January 5, complaints against 15 people for allegedly illegally downloading and distributing movies that were part of the MMFF 2020.

The 15 individuals face complaints for allegedly violating RA 9239, the Optical Media Act, and RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code. In a text message to Rappler, lawyer Cyrus Valenzuela, the OMB's legal counsel, said they also initiated inquest proceedings against 3 individuals who were arrested on Monday, January 4. The arrests were the result of two separate operations in Quezon City and Manila.

The 3 are also accused of violating the Optical Media Act and the Intellectual Property Code In a statement, OMB chair and lawyer Christian B. Natividad reminded the public not to download films from the festival illegally. The MMFF, for the first time, was held completely online in 2020. “Huwag po nating tangkilin ang pamimirata. Suportahan natin ang mga pelikulang Pilipino. Maganda ang ganitong teknolohiya para sa mas malawak na pagpapalabas ng mga pelikula ngunit mabilis din ang pagpirata sa mga ito. Ang OMB ay hindi magpapahinga, patuloy kaming mag-iikot at magbabantay,” Natividad said.

The Metro Manila Film Festival executive committee and film producers previously said that they will run after those illegally distributing films online, with some asking P10 or P 20 to access links to the movies. In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines on January 4, Quark Henares, Globe Studios head, said that they've been busy over the holidays monitoring and reporting those posting links. Globe Studios produced Fan Girl, the MMFF 2020 Best Picture. "It has been a non-existent Christmas break for us because every hour, we're just checking links and reporting it," he said.

Source: rappler.com/entertainment